Appletell reviews the Duo-i Plus from Boston Acoustics
by at May 25, 2010 12:21 pm
Sections: iDevice Accessories, iPhone/iPod touch/iPad, iPod, iPod Accessories, iPod Docks and Speakers, Reviews
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Developer: Boston Acoustics
Minimum Requirements: iPhone or iPod with dock port
Price: $249.99
Availability: Now
Everything about the Duo i-plus is serious. This is not just another wimpy iPod/iPhone speaker dock—in the categories of aesthetics, functionality, and power, it is meant to stand out. This dominating attitude turns out to be a mixed blessing, but under the right circumstances, the Duo i-plus is an audio standout among a sea of lesser competitors.
Aesthetics
Functionality
It is rare to find find gadgets that strike the right balance between available functions and ease of use (even Apple tends to err on the side of usability). The Duo i-plus offers an impressive array of features without a confusing or overly complex user experience. Features include an integrated iPod dock with video output (via composite video), AM/FM stereo tuner, two aux inputs, headphone jack, two alarm clocks, and a wonderful feature called the sn-o-o-o-o-o-o-oze bar. What looks like a decorative aluminum trim band around the entire unit is actually a touch sensitive snooze button that sets the snooze time based on the number of taps you use. No more fumbling around in the dark!
For all the good qualities of the Duo i-plus, there is one small drawback in the package: the size. At a hefty 13 x 8 inches, this is an alarm clock that may get the best of the average nightstand. The vent on the top rear of the unit also puts out quite a bit of heat when turned on, meaning your book or magazine may need to find a new resting place. On the up side, a dresser or bookshelf might be a better location for the Duo i-plus, which would force you to get out of bed instead of roll over and hit snooze! For the price, it also seems odd that an iPhone app isn’t available to let you control more of the alarm functionality through the iPod itself—setting more than two alarms, choosing which playlist to wake up to, etc.
Power
Many speakers use the claim of “room filling sound”, but few actually mean it. Or if they do, then they are talking about the tiniest of rooms—perhaps “broom closet filling sound” would be a more accurate description. Watching a movie on an iPod with the Duo i-plus providing audio in an average-sized living room with vaulted ceilings was not an anemic experience. Dialog was crisp, the score was expansive and distortion-free, and the occasional explosion still managed to resonate. A wide range of music was also tested: clear midrange vocals popped in pop music by Owl City and Au Revoir Simone, while a performance of H.M.S. Pinafore was rendered in exquisite detail from the highest soprano to the lowest bass of the background sailor chorus. Classical music is both expansive and tight—the dual 3.5″ speakers do an incredible job of putting out every detail in your music collection.
The Duo i-plus’ bass is another matter entirely. Not that it is lacking or distorted; as with all other audio reproducion, the bass performance excels. There is simply too much. This is a highly personal issue, and will also vary based on personal music preference, but in general, the bass tends more towards thumpy (a highly scientific term) and overpowering. Placed on a coffee table in the middle of a room, the bass overpowered both the high- and midrange elements of music and audio broadcasts via radio where background music was playing. Dialing down the bass is easy with the Duo’s controls, but if you follow the installation directions and place the unit next to a wall or in an enclosed bookshelf, it may not be possible to get clear and natural-sounding output.
In all, if you are looking for a very competent alarm clock with integrated iPod dock and excellent audio, the Boston Acoustics Duo i-Plus is an excellent choice. The sheer size of the unit is the only true drawback, but if you can possibly find a surface large enough, the Duo i-plus should definitely be near the top of your list.
Buy the Duo i-plus
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